Re: Re: free vs commercial; open vs proprietary is better dichotomy
On Tue, Jan 11, 2005 at 10:01:33AM +0800, Jianan wrote:
> "The details of a comparison between Debian/GNU/Linux and similarly
> produced software with Windows etc. is largely foolish."
>
Would you mind attributing your quotes?
>
> I foot to that. This subject requires in-depth knowledge of the complicated
> underlying details. This is a discourse which requires both extensive and
> intensive knowledge. This is not a con game, where you can talk your way out
> by being loud and confident. You must have the in-depth knowledge and the
> experience.R&D, Product development, support services experience would be a
> plus.
>
What is not a con game? Getting people to use your software? I
think Microsoft have done very well with this game. Or do you mean
a serious evaluation of the differences? Yes, foolish, academic,
impossible, who's going to listen?
>
> "Now there is no doubt that it will survive."
> This is not a foregone conclusion yet. Its improving because 'free' has become
> commercialised such as RH, SuSe, etc. and big businesses e.g. IBM, and
> government, are getting involved. Leaving it completely to free hands, it will
> die.
>
Purely anecdotal evidence from Germany, where I happen to live, is
that Debian is enjoying increasing acceptance, probably as a result
of the popularity of Knoppix, Ubuntu & Co.
Big businesses are a Bad Thing, okay. I don't know if there's a
conspiracy to kill off free software, but if not, they've seen
where the public interest lies and they've accommodated to it. If
you want whole-grain muesli or phosphate-free detergent and Unilever
provides it, take it.
>
> "It is sort of like English and French languages"
> Wrong analogy. Both languages develop with government as well as commercial
> push. They are not worked out by individuals in their own free time.
>
The French government pushes its language and civilisation because
it's on the defensive. Individuals in their own free time choose to
learn English because it helps their career prospects in a world
where trade is dominated by English-speaking countries whose
inhabitants are too lazy, busy or simply unable to learn another
language. You so-called "commercial push" is simply market forces.
David
--
David Jardine
"Running Debian GNU/Linux and
loving every minute of it." -Sacher M.
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